Luxury on the Costa del Sol's Golden Mile

Translating to the “Sun Coast,” Spain’s Costa del Sol equates to around 93 miles of glorious beaches and picturesque seaside towns. This region of southern Spain’s autonomous region of Andalusia receives 325 days of sunshine every year. Although it isn’t warm enough to swim in winter, this Mediterranean region remains warm even during the low season – and scorching hot during summer.

Málaga is the largest city on the Costa del Sol. The smaller resort town of Marbella sits 37 miles to the west of Málaga and marks the location of the “Golden Mile” coastline. This strip of seaside real estate runs from Piruli Tower to the shores of the Río Verde close to Puerto Banús. In terms of a luxury vacation on the Costa del Sol, there is no finer – nor sunnier – place to choose.

What to do on the Golden Mile

The Golden Mile lifestyle revolves around the private beaches, lounging by the poolside, and savoring excellent cuisine. This is the Mediterranean at its most languid although keen golfers may wish to venture further inland and play a round at one of the region’s prestigious golf courses.

Otherwise, the Villa Romana de Río Verde is worth putting your book down for. This archaeological site spotlights the lifestyle of the Romans in the region and contains a beautifully preserved mosaic floor. The marina at Puerto Banús is a joy to wander and spot the superyachts while dipping into the designer stores or picking up a bite to eat at a waterfront bistro.

Where to stay on the Marbella Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is the domain of high-end beachfront hotels. Choosing this neighborhood offers a calmer, more exclusive experience than in the old town.

Comprising sublime suites and private villas in earshot of the Mediterranean Sea, Puente Romano Beach Resort is modeled on a whitewashed Andalusian village. In fact, with over 20 restaurants and bars to peruse, it’s likely larger than some of the villages in the vicinity.

The hotel also offers five swimming pools alongside the private beach from where the 53-ft, fully-crewed sailing boat is docked ready for a chartered seafaring excursion. Routes typically cruise past the Rock of Gibraltar although it’s possible to trace the North African coastline. Attached to the Nobu Hotel Marbella, the twin resorts also offer a botanical garden, tennis court, golf course, and spa.

Offering views of La Concha, the Boho Club Hotel is an alternative luxury resort for those preferring a more intimate hotel. Twenty swish rooms overlooking the pool or garden are available in addition to 10 opulent bungalows fusing Nordic and Bohemian decor. Boho Club is founded on art, wellness, nature and gastronomy. The signature restaurant is overseen by the Michelin-starred chef Diego del Rio who adds a global twist to traditional Andalusian cooking. Inspired by the land and sea, the seasonal menu is best enjoyed with a wine pairing. The wellness-forward experience is completed with a full-service spa and a landscaped pool where cocktails are brought to the water’s edge.

This is just a sample of what awaits you on the Golden Mile. Contact me to set the wheels in motion for your luxury vacation in Spain’s Costa del Sol.